Durham Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Durham Historic District
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St. and Newmarket Rd., Durham, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 66 acres (27 ha) |
| Built | 1649 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal, Georgian-Cape |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000308 |
| Added to NRHP | May 31, 1980 |
The Durham Historic District is a special area in Durham, New Hampshire. It includes some of the oldest parts of the town. This district stretches along Newmarket Road and Main Street. Long ago, this area was called the Oyster River Plantation. It was named after the Oyster River that flows through it. People first settled here in 1649.
In the 1700s, Durham became an important center for building ships. Many historic buildings from that time are still standing. Because of its history, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This list helps protect important historical sites across the United States.
Historic Buildings in Durham
The Durham Historic District is home to many interesting old buildings. These buildings show what life was like in the past.
Important Town Buildings
- Durham Town Hall: This brick building was built around 1825. It serves as the main office for the town government.
- Durham Town Office Building: This house, built around 1860, is now used for town offices.
- Durham Community Church: Built in 1848–49, this church is a central landmark on Main Street.
Old Homes and Landmarks
Along Newmarket Street, you can find many houses from the 1700s and 1800s. They are located just south of the Oyster River.
- John Sullivan House: This house was once home to General John Sullivan. He was an important leader during the American Revolutionary War. He also served as the Governor of New Hampshire. His house is so important that it is a National Historic Landmark.
- Hill-Woodman-Ffrost House: This house is very old. Part of it might have been built as early as 1649. This makes it one of the oldest buildings in New Hampshire. The Ffrost family has owned it since the late 1700s. It is also known as the Three Chimneys Inn.
- Red School House: This building was first a schoolhouse around 1796.
- John Sullivan Monument: In 1894, a monument was placed here to honor John Sullivan. It stands where a meeting house was built in 1716.
